Mask

ABSTRACT

A mask includes a main body part and a pair of ear straps. The main body part covers a wearer&#39;s mouth. The pair of ear straps are provided on both the left and right sides of main body part, and are hooked on the wearer&#39;s ears. The main body part has an upper end, a lower end, and an intermediate fixing point. The upper end fixing point is a part where an upper end part of each of the ear straps is fixed. The lower end fixing point is a part where a lower end part of each of the ear straps is fixed. The intermediate fixing point is a part where one location of an intermediate part of each of the ear straps is fixed. With respect to the main body part&#39;s vertical direction, the intermediate fixing point is located between the upper end and lower end fixing point.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2020-078797 filed Apr. 28, 2020, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mask that covers a person's nose, mouth, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

The mask disclosed in JP 2012-40163A can be given as an example of a conventional mask. The mask described in this document includes a main body part that covers a wearer's nose and mouth and ear straps for securing the main body part to the wearer's face. The main body part is formed from a breathable sheet-form material. The ear straps are attached to both the left and right sides of the main body part.

The stated mask has a function of preventing harmful particles (viruses, bacteria, pollen, and the like) from entering the nasal cavity and oral cavity by covering the nose and mouth with the main body part. However, there is a problem in that if there is a gap between the face and both side ends of the main body part, harmful particles can enter into the space within the main body part (the space between the main body part and the face) through the stated gap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Having been made in view of the above-described problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a mask which makes it difficult for a gap to arise between a face and both side ends of a main body part.

Through detailed investigations, the inventor of the present invention found that one of the causes of the gap between the face and both side ends of the main body part of a conventional mask is the direction of the force acting on the points of action of the main body part (the parts on which the force from the ear straps acts). In other words, when upper and lower points of action on the side ends of the main body part receive an inward force from the ear straps (a force in the direction from one of the points of action to the other), the side ends slacken, which causes the aforementioned gap to arise. The inventor of the present invention arrived at the present invention on the basis of such knowledge.

A mask according to the present invention includes: a main body part that covers a mouth of a wearer; and a pair of ear straps provided on left and right sides of the main body part and hooked over ears of the wearer, wherein the main body part has an upper end fixing point which is a part where an upper end part of each of the ear straps is fixed, a lower end fixing point which is a part where a lower end part of each of the ear straps is fixed, and a first intermediate fixing point which is a part where one location of an intermediate part of each of the ear straps is fixed; and the first intermediate fixing point is located between the upper end fixing point and the lower end fixing point with respect to a vertical direction of the main body part.

In this mask, the main body part has the first intermediate fixing point in addition to the upper end fixing point and the lower end fixing point. In other words, in addition to the upper end part and the lower end part, an intermediate part of the ear strap is fixed to the main body part.

Furthermore, with respect to the vertical direction of the main body part, the first intermediate fixing point is located between the upper end fixing point and the lower end fixing point. In this case, one of the points of action shifts from the upper end fixing point or the lower end fixing point toward the first intermediate fixing point and approaches the other of the points of action, as compared to a case where the first intermediate fixing point is not provided (a case where the upper end fixing point and the lower end fixing point act as the points of action of the force from the ear strap). This makes it difficult for the one point of action to receive the inward force from the ear strap, and makes it difficult for both side ends of the main body part to slacken.

According to the present invention, a mask which makes it difficult for a gap to arise between a face and both side ends of a main body part is realized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a first embodiment of a mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an upper corner part C1 and a lower corner part C2 of a main body part 10.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a vicinity V1 of a side end 10 c of the main body part 10.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a distance d1, in a vertical direction, from an intermediate fixing point 16 to an upper end fixing point 12, and a distance d2, in the vertical direction, from an intermediate fixing point 18 to a lower end fixed point 14.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an effect of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the effect of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the effect of the mask of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a rear view illustrating a second embodiment of the mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating a third embodiment of the mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear view illustrating the third embodiment of the mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a rear view illustrating the fourth embodiment of the mask according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical elements are given identical reference signs, and descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a first embodiment of a mask according to the present invention. A mask 1 includes a main body part 10 and a pair of ear straps 20. The main body part 10 covers a wearer's mouth. Of the eyes, nose, and mouth, the main body part 10 may cover only the nose and mouth, or only the mouth. When the mask 1 is not being worn, the main body part 10 is in the form of a flat, rectangular sheet. This drawing illustrates the outer surface of the main body part 10, namely the surface opposite from the inner surface, the inner surface being the surface facing the wearer's face. The main body part 10 is made of a breathable material. For example, a nonwoven fabric, paper, or gauze can be used as the material.

The ear straps 20 are provided on both the left and right sides of the main body part 10. When the mask 1 is worn, the ear straps 20 are hooked over the wearer's ears. This fixes the main body part 10 to the wearer's face. The ear straps 20 exhibit elasticity. For example, rubber cords can be used as the ear straps 20.

The main body part 10 has upper end fixing points 12 and lower end fixing points 14, as well as intermediate fixing points 16 (first intermediate fixing points) and intermediate fixing points 18 (second intermediate fixing points). The upper end fixing point 12 is a part of the main body part 10, to which an upper end part 20 a of each of the ear straps 20 is fixed. The upper end parts 20 a are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. As such, the upper end fixing points 12 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. Each upper end fixing point 12 is located at an upper corner part C1 of the main body part 10 (see FIG. 2). The upper corner part C1 is a region within 15 mm from an upper end 10 a, and within 15 mm from a side end 10 c, of the main body part 10. The ear straps 20 (upper end parts 20 a) can be fixed to the upper end fixing points 12 by, for example, welding (ultrasonic welding, heat welding, or the like).

The lower end fixing point 14 is a part of the main body part 10, to which a lower end part 20 b of each of the ear straps 20 is fixed. The lower end parts 20 b are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. As such, the lower end fixing points 14 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. Each lower end fixing point 14 is located at a lower corner part C2 of the main body part 10 (see FIG. 2). The lower corner part C2 is a region within 15 mm from a lower end 10 b, and within 15 mm from the side end 10 c, of the main body part 10. The ear straps 20 (lower end parts 20 b) can be fixed to the lower end fixing points 14 by, for example, welding.

The intermediate fixing point 16 is a part of the main body part 10, to which one location 20 c of an intermediate part of each of the ear straps 20 is fixed. The intermediate part of the ear strap 20 is a part of the ear strap 20 excluding the upper end part 20 a and the lower end part 20 b. The locations 20 c of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. The intermediate fixing points 16 are located in a vicinity V1 of the side end 10 c of the main body part 10 (see FIG. 3). The vicinity V1 is a region within 20 mm of the side end 10 c of the main body part 10. The ear straps 20 (locations 20 c) can be fixed to the intermediate fixing points 16 by, for example, welding, adhesion, or stapling. Hot-melt adhesion is preferred for adhesion. Staples made of resin or paper are preferably used for stapling.

With respect to a vertical direction of the main body part 10 (corresponding to the vertical direction in FIG. 1), the intermediate fixing points 16 are located between the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14. In other words, a distance from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end 10 a is greater than a distance from the upper end fixing points 12 to the upper end 10 a, and a distance from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the lower end 10 b is greater than a distance from the lower end fixing points 14 to the lower end 10 b. A distance from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the side end 10 c (the side end 10 c closer to that intermediate fixing point 16) may be the same as, or different from, a distance from the upper end fixing points 12 to the side end 10 c (the side end 10 c closer to that upper end fixing point 12). If these distances are different, the former distance may be smaller or larger than the latter distance. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a case where the former distance is larger than the latter distance.

The intermediate fixing points 16 are located closer to the upper end fixing points 12 than the lower end fixing points 14. In other words, a distance from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end fixing points 12 is less than a distance from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the lower end fixing points 14. A distance d1 from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end fixing points 12 in the vertical direction (see FIG. 4) is preferably between 5 mm and 15 mm inclusive. The distance d1 is defined as a distance between a straight line L1 passing through the upper end fixing points 12 in the horizontal direction of the main body part 10 (corresponding to the horizontal direction in FIG. 1) and a straight line L2 passing through the intermediate fixing points 16 in the horizontal direction of the main body part 10.

The ear straps 20 extend between the intermediate fixing points 16 and the upper end fixing points 12 without any slack. In other words, the ear straps 20 extend in straight lines between the intermediate fixing points 16 and the upper end fixing points 12. As such, the length of the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 c to the upper end parts 20 a is approximately the same as the shortest distance (linear distance) from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end fixing points 12.

The intermediate fixing point 18 is a part of the main body part 10, to which another location 20 d of the intermediate part of each of the ear straps 20 is fixed. The locations 20 d of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. The intermediate fixing points 18 are located in the vicinity V1 of the side end 10 c of the main body part 10 (see FIG. 3). The ear straps 20 (locations 20 d) can be fixed to the intermediate fixing points 18 by, for example, welding, gluing, or stapling.

With respect to the vertical direction of the main body part 10, the intermediate fixing points 18 are located between the intermediate fixing points 16 and the lower end fixing points 14. In other words, a distance from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the upper end 10 a is greater than a distance from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end 10 a, and a distance from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end 10 b is greater than a distance from the lower end fixing points 14 to the lower end 10 b. A distance from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the side end 10 c (the side end 10 c closer to that intermediate fixing point 18) may be the same as, or different from, a distance from the lower end fixing points 14 to the side end 10 c (the side end 10 c closer to that lower end fixing point 14). If these distances are different, the former distance may be smaller or larger than the latter distance. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a case where the former distance is larger than the latter distance.

The intermediate fixing points 18 are located closer to the lower end fixing points 14 than the upper end fixing points 12. In other words, a distance from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end fixing points 14 is less than a distance from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the upper end fixing points 12. A distance d2 from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end fixing points 14 in the vertical direction (see FIG. 4) is preferably between 2 mm and 7 mm inclusive. The distance d2 is defined as a distance between a straight line L3 passing through the lower end fixing points 14 in the horizontal direction of the main body part 10 and a straight line L4 passing through the intermediate fixing points 18 in the horizontal direction of the main body part 10. The distance d2 is smaller than the aforementioned distance d1.

The ear straps 20 extend between the intermediate fixing points 18 and the lower end fixing points 14 without any slack. In other words, the ear straps 20 extend in straight lines between the intermediate fixing points 18 and the lower end fixing points 14. As such, the length of the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 d to the lower end parts 20 b is approximately the same as the linear distance from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end fixing points 14.

Effects of the mask 1 will be described. In the mask 1, the main body part 10 has the intermediate fixing points 16 in addition to the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14. In other words, in addition to the upper end parts 20 a and the lower end parts 20 b, intermediate parts (the locations 20 c) of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the main body part 10. Furthermore, with respect to the vertical direction of the main body part 10, the intermediate fixing points 16 are located between the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14. In this case, compared to a case where the intermediate fixing points 16 are not provided (a case where the upper end fixing points 12 act as the points of action of the force from the ear straps 20), the points of action on the upper side are shifted from the upper end fixing points 12 to the intermediate fixing points 16, bringing those points of action closer to points of action on the lower side. This makes it difficult for the points of action on the upper side to receive inward forces from the ear straps 20, and makes it difficult for both side ends 10 c to slacken. The mask 1 which makes it difficult for a gap to arise between the face and both side ends 10 c of the main body part 10 is realized as a result.

The main body part 10 furthermore has the intermediate fixing points 18. With respect to the vertical direction of the main body part 10, the intermediate fixing points 18 are located between the intermediate fixing points 16 and the lower end fixing points 14. In this case, compared to a case where the intermediate fixing points 18 are not provided (a case where the lower end fixing points 14 act as the points of action of the force from the ear straps 20), the points of action on the lower side are shifted from the lower end fixing points 14 to the intermediate fixing points 18, bringing those points of action closer to points of action on the upper side. This makes it difficult for the points of action on the lower side to receive inward forces from the ear straps 20, and makes it even more difficult for both side ends 10 c of the main body part 10 to slacken.

To elaborate, if, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 are not present and the upper end fixing point 12 and lower end fixing point 14 are therefore the points of action, when the mask is worn, the upper end fixing point 12 will receive a downward-diagonal force F1 from the ear strap 20, and the lower end fixing point 14 will receive an upward-diagonal force F2 from the ear strap 20. As such, a component force f1 of the force F1 and a component force f2 of the force F2 will be forces acting inward, and will act on the upper end fixing point 12 and the lower end fixing point 14, respectively. The component force f1 and the component force f2 are vertical component forces when the force F1 and the force F2 are broken down into the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the main body part 10, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 6, these inward forces are a cause of slackening in the side end 10 c of conventional masks. This drawing is a diagram illustrating the mask of FIG. 5 from the right.

As opposed to this, when, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 are present, the point of action on the upper side is shifted from the upper end fixing point 12 to the intermediate fixing point 16, and the point of action on the lower side is shifted from the lower end fixing point 14 to the intermediate fixing point 18. Accordingly, the directions of the force F1 and the force F2 move toward a horizontal orientation (the horizontal direction of the main body part 10). This reduces the values of the component force f1 and the component force f2 (assuming the inward direction is positive). This means that the points of action are less likely to receive an inward force from the ear strap 20. Accordingly, it is less likely that both side ends 10 c of the main body part 10 will slacken, which improves the tightness of the fit of both side ends 10 c to the face.

Additionally, the main body part 10 has the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 in addition to the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14. In this case, the mask 1 can be achieved by modifying a common commercially-available mask which lacks the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 (i.e., in which only the end parts of the ear straps are fixed to the main body part). To be more specific, the mask 1 having the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 can be achieved simply by fixing intermediate parts of the ear straps to the main body part in the stated commercially-available mask.

The intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 are located in the vicinity of the side end 10 c of the main body part 10. A situation where the distances from the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 to the wearer's ear are needlessly increased can therefore be avoided. As this distance increases, it becomes necessary to increase the overall lengths of the ear straps 20 by that amount, which is disadvantageous in terms of the cost of manufacturing the mask 1.

The intermediate fixing points 16 are located closer to the upper end fixing points 12 than the lower end fixing points 14. This configuration is suited to the shifting of the points of action on the upper side from the upper end fixing points 12 to the intermediate fixing points 16. Additionally, the intermediate fixing points 18 are located closer to the lower end fixing points 14 than the upper end fixing points 12. This configuration is suited to the shifting of the points of action on the lower side from the lower end fixing points 14 to the intermediate fixing points 18.

The distance d1 from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end fixing points 12 in the vertical direction being greater is advantageous in terms of reducing the value of the aforementioned component force f1. From this standpoint, the distance d1 is preferably no less than 5 mm. On the other hand, if the distance d1 is too great, an upper part of the side end 10 c (the part above the straight line L2 indicated in FIG. 4) will tend to roll up when the mask 1 is worn. From this standpoint, the distance d1 is preferably no more than 15 mm.

The distance d2 from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end fixing points 14 in the vertical direction being greater is advantageous in terms of reducing the value of the aforementioned component force f2. From this standpoint, the distance d2 is preferably no less than 2 mm. On the other hand, if the distance d2 is too great, a lower part of the side end 10 c (the part below the straight line L4 indicated in FIG. 4) will tend to roll up when the mask 1 is worn. From this standpoint, the distance d2 is preferably no more than 7 mm.

The distance d2 from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end fixing points 14 in the vertical direction is less than the distance d1 from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end fixing points 12 in the vertical direction. When the mask 1 is worn, the lower part of the side end 10 c is usually positioned around the bottom of the chin, and is therefore more likely to roll up than the upper part of the side end 10 c. As such, making the distance d2 less than the distance d1 is advantageous in terms of making the side end 10 c less likely to slacken while appropriately suppressing rolling up of the upper part and lower part of the side end 10 c.

The ear straps 20 extend through a section between the intermediate fixing points 16 and the upper end fixing points 12 without any slack. In this case, the overall lengths of the ear strap 20 can be kept lower than in a case where the ear straps 20 have slack in the stated section. Likewise, the ear straps 20 extend through a section between the intermediate fixing points 18 and the lower end fixing points 14 without any slack. In this case, the overall lengths of the ear strap 20 can be kept lower than in a case where the ear straps 20 have slack in the stated section.

The intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. This is advantageous in that when the mask 1 is worn, the locations where the ear straps 20 are fixed at the intermediate fixing points 16 (the locations 10 c) do not touch the face. Likewise, the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. This is advantageous in that when the mask 1 is worn, the locations where the ear straps 20 are fixed at the intermediate fixing points 18 (the locations 10 d) do not touch the face. Additionally, when the intermediate fixing points 16 and the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10, the side ends 10 c of the main body part 10 are held down from the outer surface side by the ear straps 20. This also works to the advantage of improving the tightness of the fit of both side ends 10 c to the face.

The upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. Thus in the mask 1, the upper end fixing points 12, the lower end fixing points 14, the intermediate fixing points 16, and the intermediate fixing points 18 all exist on the same surface (the outer surface) of the main body part 10. In this case, the ear straps 20 only need be provided on one surface of the main body part 10, which makes the mask 1 easier to manufacture.

If the ear straps 20 are fixed to the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 by staples, there is no need to use any special products aside from staples (e.g., adhesives or welding machines) to accomplish the fixing. As such, the ear straps 20 can be fixed to the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 with ease.

If the ear straps 20 are fixed to the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 through hot-melt adhesion, there is no need to use any solvents to accomplish the fixing. This has the advantage of being more environmentally friendly than using solvents.

If the ear straps 20 are fixed to the intermediate fixing points 16 and 18 through ultrasonic welding, the fixing can be made particularly strong. Additionally, if the ear straps 20 are fixed to the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14 through ultrasonic welding, the fixing of the ear straps 20 to the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14, and the fixing of the ear straps 20 to the intermediate fixing points 16 and the intermediate fixing points 18, can be performed in the same step using the same ultrasonic welding machine when manufacturing the mask 1.

This helps reduce the cost of manufacturing the mask 1.

The ear straps 20 exhibit elasticity. In this case, the tension (contractive force) of the ear straps 20 increases the force that the points of action receive from the ear straps 20. This causes the problem of slack in the side ends 10 c caused by the inward force to become more pronounced. The mask 1 which can reduce the inward force by shifting the points of action as described above is therefore particularly useful.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a rear view illustrating a second embodiment of the mask according to the present invention. A mask 2 includes the main body part 10 and the pair of ear straps 20. This drawing illustrates the inner surface of the main body part 10.

The main body part 10 has the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14, as well as the intermediate fixing points 16 and the intermediate fixing points 18. The upper end parts 20 a of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. As such, the upper end fixing points 12 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. The lower end parts 20 b of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. As such, the lower end fixing points 14 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10.

The locations 20 c of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. The locations 20 d of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. The rest of the configuration of the mask 2 is the same as that of the mask 1.

Effects of the mask 2 will be described. In the mask 2, the upper end fixing points 12, the lower end fixing points 14, the intermediate fixing points 16, and the intermediate fixing points 18 all exist on the same surface (the inner surface) of the main body part 10. In this case, the ear straps 20 only need be provided on one surface of the main body part 10, which makes the mask 2 easier to manufacture.

The upper end fixing points 12 and the intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. In this case, when the upper parts of the side ends 10 c attempt to roll outward (away from the viewer of FIG. 8), the tension of the ear straps 20 will act on those upper parts. To be more specific, when the upper parts of the side ends 10 c are rolled outward, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the upper end parts 20 a to the locations 20 c stretch, and the tension of the ear straps 20 acts in a direction that returns those upper parts to their original state. This makes it less likely that the upper parts of the side ends 10 c will roll up when the mask 2 is worn.

The lower end fixing points 14 and the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. In this case, when the lower parts of the side ends 10 c attempt to roll outward, the tension of the ear straps 20 will act on those lower parts. To be more specific, when the lower parts of the side ends 10 c are rolled outward, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the lower end parts 20 b to the locations 20 d stretch, and the tension of the ear straps 20 acts in a direction that returns those lower parts to their original state. This makes it less likely that the lower parts of the side ends 10 c will roll up when the mask 2 is worn. The other effects of the mask 2 are the same as those of the mask 1.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are, respectively, a front view and a rear view illustrating a third embodiment of the mask according to the present invention. A mask 3 includes the main body part 10 and the pair of ear straps 20. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate the outer surface and the inner surface of the main body part 10, respectively.

The main body part 10 has the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14, as well as the intermediate fixing points 16 and the intermediate fixing points 18. The upper end parts 20 a of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. As such, the upper end fixing points 12 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. The lower end parts 20 b of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. As such, the lower end fixing points 14 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10.

The locations 20 c of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. In this manner, in the present embodiment, the upper end fixing points 12 and the intermediate fixing points 16 are located on mutually-opposite surfaces of the main body part 10. As such, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 c to the upper end parts 20 a span both surfaces (the outer surface and the inner surface) of the main body part 10. Specifically, the ear straps 20 reach the upper end fixing points 12 from the intermediate fixing points 16 via the side ends 10 c.

In the present embodiment too, the ear straps 20 extend between the intermediate fixing points 16 and the upper end fixing points 12 without any slack. In other words, the ear straps 20 extend in straight lines between the intermediate fixing points 16 and the side ends 10 c, and also extend in straight lines between the side ends 10 c and the upper end fixing points 12. The length of the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 c to the upper end parts 20 a is approximately the same as the shortest distance from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end fixing points 12 via the side ends 10 c.

The locations 20 d of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. In this manner, in the present embodiment, the lower end fixing points 14 and the intermediate fixing points 18 are located on mutually-opposite surfaces of the main body part 10. As such, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 d to the lower end parts 20 b span both surfaces of the main body part 10. Specifically, the ear straps 20 reach the lower end fixing points 14 from the intermediate fixing points 18 via the side ends 10 c.

In the present embodiment too, the ear straps 20 extend between the intermediate fixing points 18 and the lower end fixing points 14 without any slack. In other words, the ear straps 20 extend in straight lines between the intermediate fixing points 18 and the side ends 10 c, and also extend in straight lines between the side ends 10 c and the lower end fixing points 14. The length of the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 d to the lower end parts 20 b is approximately the same as the shortest distance from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end fixing points 14 via the side ends 10 c. The rest of the configuration of the mask 3 is the same as that of the mask 1.

Effects of the mask 3 will be described. In the mask 3, the upper end fixing points 12 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10, whereas the intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. As a result, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 c to the upper end parts 20 a wrap around the upper parts of the side ends 10 c of the main body part 10, which makes it less likely that the upper parts will be rolled up when the mask 3 is worn.

Additionally, the lower end fixing points 14 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10, whereas the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. As a result, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 d to the lower end parts 20 b wrap around the lower parts of the side ends 10 c of the main body part 10, which makes it less likely that the lower parts will be rolled up when the mask 3 is worn. The other effects of the mask 3 are the same as those of the mask 1.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are, respectively, a front view and a rear view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the mask according to the present invention. A mask 4 includes the main body part 10 and the pair of ear straps 20. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrate the outer surface and the inner surface of the main body part 10, respectively.

The main body part 10 has the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14, as well as the intermediate fixing points 16 and the intermediate fixing points 18. The upper end parts 20 a of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. As such, the upper end fixing points 12 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10. The lower end parts 20 b of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the inner surface of the main body part 10. As such, the lower end fixing points 14 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10.

The locations 20 c of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. In this manner, in the present embodiment too, the upper end fixing points 12 and the intermediate fixing points 16 are located on mutually-opposite surfaces of the main body part 10.

The locations 20 d of the ear straps 20 are fixed to the outer surface of the main body part 10. In other words, the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. In this manner, in the present embodiment too, the lower end fixing points 14 and the intermediate fixing points 18 are located on mutually-opposite surfaces of the main body part 10. The rest of the configuration of the mask 4 is the same as that of the mask 3.

Effects of the mask 4 will be described. In the mask 4, the upper end fixing points 12 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10, whereas the intermediate fixing points 16 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. As a result, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 c to the upper end parts 20 a wrap around the upper parts of the side ends 10 c of the main body part 10, which makes it less likely that the upper parts will be rolled up when the mask 4 is worn.

Additionally, the lower end fixing points 14 exist on the inner surface of the main body part 10, whereas the intermediate fixing points 18 exist on the outer surface of the main body part 10. As a result, the parts of the ear straps 20 from the locations 20 d to the lower end parts 20 b wrap around the lower parts of the side ends 10 c of the main body part 10, which makes it less likely that the lower parts will be rolled up when the mask 4 is worn. The other effects of the mask 4 are the same as those of the mask 1.

The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and many variations can be made thereon. In the foregoing embodiments, the main body part 10 may have a bag-shaped or pocket-shaped moisture-retaining material holding part in which a moisture-retaining material is held. In this case, using the mask in a state where a moisture-retaining material is held in the moisture-retaining material holding part makes it possible to increase the humidity of the space within the main body part 10. Increasing the humidity of this space can be expected to provide an effect of reducing the infectiousness of influenza viruses and the like.

The foregoing embodiments described examples in which the distance d2 from the intermediate fixing points 18 to the lower end fixing points 14 in the vertical direction is less than the distance d1 from the intermediate fixing points 16 to the upper end fixing points 12 in the vertical direction. However, the distance d2 may be equal to the distance d1, or may be greater than the distance d1.

In the foregoing embodiments, the ear straps 20 (the locations 20 c) may be fixed to the intermediate fixing points 16 by forming holes in the main body part 10 and then passing the ear straps 20 through those holes. In this case, the holes correspond to the intermediate fixing points 16. Likewise, the ear straps 20 (the locations 20 d) may be fixed to the intermediate fixing points 18 by forming holes in the main body part 10 and then passing the ear straps 20 through those holes. In this case, the holes correspond to the intermediate fixing points 18.

The foregoing embodiments described examples in which both the intermediate fixing points 16 and the intermediate fixing points 18 are provided in the main body part 10. However, only one of the intermediate fixing points 16 and the intermediate fixing points 18 may be provided in the main body part 10. When only the intermediate fixing points 18 are provided, the intermediate fixing points 18 correspond to the “first intermediate fixing points” and are located between the upper end fixing points 12 and the lower end fixing points 14 with respect to the vertical direction of the main body part 10.

The foregoing embodiments described examples in which the ear straps 20 exhibit elasticity. However, the ear straps 20 need not exhibit elasticity. In this case, a nonwoven fabric, for example, can be used as the material of the ear straps 20. 

1. A mask comprising: a main body part that covers a mouth of a wearer; and a pair of ear straps provided on left and right sides of the main body part and hooked over ears of the wearer, wherein the main body part has an upper end fixing point which is a part where an upper end part of each of the ear straps is fixed, a lower end fixing point which is a part where a lower end part of each of the ear straps is fixed, and a first intermediate fixing point which is a part where one location of an intermediate part of each of the ear straps is fixed; and the first intermediate fixing point is located between the upper end fixing point and the lower end fixing point with respect to a vertical direction of the main body part.
 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the first intermediate fixing point is located in a vicinity of a side end of the main body part.
 3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the first intermediate fixing point is located closer to the upper end fixing point than the lower end fixing point.
 4. The mask according to claim 3, wherein the ear straps extend between the first intermediate fixing point and the upper end fixing point without slack.
 5. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the first intermediate fixing point exists on an outer surface of the main body part.
 6. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the first intermediate fixing point exists on an inner surface of the main body part.
 7. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the ear straps are fixed to the first intermediate fixing point of the main body part by stapling.
 8. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the ear straps are fixed to the first intermediate fixing point of the main body part by hot-melt adhesion.
 9. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the ear straps are fixed to the first intermediate fixing point of the main body part by ultrasonic welding.
 10. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the main body part has a second intermediate fixing point which is a part where another location of the intermediate part of each of the ear straps is fixed; and the second intermediate fixing point is located between the first intermediate fixing point and the lower end fixing point with respect to the vertical direction.
 11. The mask according to claim 10, wherein the second intermediate fixing point is located in a vicinity of a side end of the main body part.
 12. The mask according to claim 10, wherein the second intermediate fixing point is located closer to the lower end fixing point than the upper end fixing point.
 13. The mask according to claim 12, wherein the ear straps extend between the second intermediate fixing point and the lower end fixing point without slack.
 14. The mask according to claim 10, wherein a distance, in the vertical direction, from the second intermediate fixing point to the lower end fixing point is less than a distance, in the vertical direction, from the first intermediate fixing point to the upper end fixing point.
 15. The mask according to claim 10, wherein the second intermediate fixing point exists on an outer surface of the main body part.
 16. The mask according to claim 10, wherein the second intermediate fixing point exists on an inner surface of the main body part.
 17. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the ear straps exhibit elasticity.
 18. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the upper end fixing point and the lower end fixing point exist on an outer surface of the main body part.
 19. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the upper end fixing point and the lower end fixing point exist on an inner surface of the main body part.
 20. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the main body part has a moisture-retaining material holding part that holds a moisture-retaining material. 